Miller’s wife, Saimaa, said on Facebook that her husband was trapped for five hours, although rescue crews said it was more like two hours. Either way, police chief inspector Neil Stephens said, “He’s been extremely lucky to survive.”

Crews work to free Miller from the muddy pit.

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“Thank God it didn’t rain,” Miller added. “My nose was grazing the water the whole time.”

Fire and Rescue New South Wales deputy captain Steve Howard said, “How he kept his back arched with his nose above the waterline was quite incredible for that amount of time.”After he was freed, Miller was taken to a hospital by helicopter. He was treated for hypothermia and minor back injuries.

“Dan is OK!… Legendary effort from a legendary man,” his wife said on Facebook.

Miller told the Daily Telegraph he had promised his wife he wouldn’t die before her.

“I wanted to honor my vows — the whole time I was trapped I kept thinking of her and my two young children,” he said.